Decoding Thoughts
10min | Mini Documentary
Release Date: December 26 2025
Decoding Thoughts is a behind-the-scenes mini-documentary that offers a deeper look into the creation of our award-winning short film Thoughts Become Things.
Since its Premiere, Thoughts Become Things has been selected by 23 film festivals across 11 countries and won 13 international awards, shining a global spotlight on Bermuda’s heritage and creative voice.
In Decoding Thoughts, we go beyond the screen to explore how this story came to life. Through interviews with the creative team, local culture-bearers, Gombey captains, and artists involved in the production.
Decoding Thoughts invites you into the heart of the project where art meets tradition, and the past moves through the present.
Trailer
Min-Doc Credits
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
Stephan Johnstone
SJD World Ltd
(@sjdworld)
DIRECTOR
CINEMATOGRAPHER / EDITOR:
Marquedelle Philip Rodriguez
(@i.marqr)
MUSIC
PRODUCER
Derek G. Simmons
(@derekg.bda)
INTERVIEWS:
Stephan Johnstone
Marquedelle Philip Rodriguez
Derek G. Simmons
Vibe Tribe
SMS Gombeys
Places Gombeys
Warwick Gombeys
BDA Donquili
St. David’s Islander & Native Community
Terry / Gombey Mom
GOMBEY TROUPES:
Places gombeys (@placesgombeytroupe)
SMS Gombeys (@sms.gombeys)
H&H Gombeys (@hnh_gombeys)
Warwick Gombeys (@warwickgombeys_bda)
Gombey Evolution (@gombey.evolution.troupe)
Gombey Warriors (@gombey_warriors)
Vibe Tribe (@vibetribebda)
AFRICAN ANCESTORS
BDA Donquili (@bermudadonquili)
NATIVE AMERICAN ANCESTORS
Antione Lugo (Millet)
Chelsea McNorton (Carlington)
St. David’s Islander & Native Community
(@stdavidsinc)
SPECIAL THANKS
I.B.A
Ryan Tucker Jr.
Shalini Johnstone
Mikey Dread From the 2 Stroke Legends
SPONSORED BY: Our Culture Bearers
Bermuda Arts Council (@bdaartscouncil)
Margaret & Robert Harvey
Margot Kerry Harvey & Travis Cooper
Harvey Cooper Award (@HarveyCooperAward)
Melrindo Caines
Walk Together Bermuda (@walktogetherbermuda)
King Alpha Productions (@King_Alpha_Way)
Department of Culture (@bermudaculture)
I.B.A (@inspiredbda)
SPEXX Eyecare – Wannita Smith (@spexxeyecare)
Monica Dunstan
Bermuda Tourism Authority
The Bermudian Publishing Company (@TheBermudian)
Jubilee Richardson
Rudi Haak & Helen Ponte (@balance)
The Frith Family
J.F. Peniston
This project was built by many hands, voices, and hearts. We are deeply thankful to every person who contributed – named and unnamed.